Walcott's contribution was immeasurable - Murray

Tremendous.

That's how Deryck Murray, the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), has described the contribution of deceased West Indies cricket legend, Sir Clyde Walcott to cricket.

Walcott, one third of the famous three Ws that included Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Everton Weekes, passed away in Barbados last Saturday at the age of 80. Murray, a former West Indies wicketkeeper himself, detailed Walcott's contribution as almost immeasurable.

"He made a tremendous contribution to West Indies cricket at varying levels," Murray stated, "first as player, then as a coach, a commentator, a selector and manager of various teams. He was also a president of West Indies Cricket Board and a chairman of the ICC. His was a vast contribution."

Murray said as a player, Walcott was more than just a member the triumvirate of famous Ws. "In his own right, he [Walcott] established himself as a major player, who was especially aggressive off the back foot. He was a powerful player, a part of the history of WI cricket, and part of the past that make us a great cricket nation."

Murray also recalled that Walcott was a manager of the 1975 and 1979 World Cup winning teams of which Murray was also a member. "As a manager who had played the game, he lent credibility to what he was trying to instill in the players," Murray said. "And then as an administrator, president and the other capacities in which he served cricket, his deliberations would have benefitted from his experience as a player." He added that Walcott had the calibre of character needed if West Indies cricket was to move forward.

"Obviously that's the type of person we need," Murray said, "There are a lot of people around with similar characteristics. And of course, the game is bigger than any one person but rest assured that Clyde has made his contribution and I extend my sympathy to his widow and family."

"He always implored our batsmen to learn to bat for a long time," said Murray "and by which he meant it wasn't enough to have talent and West Indian flare but they needed to be able to bat long to be able to make significant scores to help the team. That was a recurring theme of his."